What is Chinese Kung-Fu
Kung-Fu is an ancient Chinese art honored throughout the world. Its history and traditions are distinctly Chinese and are an accurate reflection of the ancient culture. Many of the Kung-Fu fighting systems that are documented have been passed down from master to student for thousands of years. The movements in many of these forms often imitate various animals in terms of their characteristic attacks and defenses. The ancient and traditional art form of Chinese Kung-Fu has been growing for over 2,000 years. In recent years, interest in Kung-Fu has spread throughout the world. As its fame spread, strict rules were adopted as enforced to assure that practitioners would never misuse the deadly art. Masters therefore, would only share their vast knowledge of a system with those of high moral and mental standards. This tradition continues today.
The Northern and Southern systems of Chinese Kung-Fu differ somewhat. It is believed that these two distinct styles emerged in each region based, in part, on the weather and geography of that respective region. In the northern region of China, the weather is much colder and the ground tends to be more level and hard. In contrast, the southern region of China tends to maintain a warmer climate coupled with much softer and more uneven terrain. Both geography and climate greatly affected the resulting Kung-Fu styles of both regions, and their differences are a reflection of adaptation to the surrounding environment.
In Chinese Kung-Fu, a distinction is made between internal and external styles and techniques. Internal Kung-Fu endeavors to train one’s mind, spirit and chi, while external Kung-Fu focuses on strengthening bodies and limbs. Both are essential to the complete study and mastery of Chinese Kung-Fu. When these separate elements are combined, a beautiful harmony is developed and devoted practitioners’ abilities are taken to a level beyond that of ordinary martial arts training. This unification of mind and body is practiced through the study of traditional Chinese Kung-Fu forms. Forms contain a series of carefully choreographed movements designed to strengthen the body and coordinate various skills needed to fight. In addition to forms, ancient Kung-Fu weaponry holds a very traditional place in Chinese martial arts, and each weapon has its historic use. Most weapons were made famous and immortalized in Chinese Kung–Fu by both emperors and Chinese generals of warfare. Weapons are divided into five categories and make up a hierarchy of difficulty and skill levels necessary for their own effective use. These categories included long, short, soft, double and throwing. Developed by the ancient masters of the art, weapons are considered a high priority in the complete study of Chinese Kung-Fu.
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